Treatments for Infertility

Treatments for infertility can range from simple over-the-counter remedies to invasive procedures, such as surgery. This list covers the generalized treatments to infertility problems.

Female

Hormonal Imbalances Over-the-counter remedies include Evening Primrose Oil for low estrogen (also a symptom of low estrogen is the lack of fertile quality cervical fluid). You can remedy this by drinking 8 glasses of water a day, or taking guaifenesin (Robitussin) every day from menstruation to ovulation. Progesterone cream used from ovulation to menstruation helps to elevate progesterone level, as does taking vitamin B6.Prescription medications can help to balance out the hormones. Typical medications used are Clomid, Pergonal, progesterone suppositories, and various oral medication.

Luteal Phase DefectsOver-the-counter remedies include taking daily doses of vitamin B6 and using natural progesterone cream. Prescription medications of progesterone (suppositories and oral) are also used, as well as fertility drugs like Clomid and Pergonal.

Scarred or Blocked Fallopian TubesIn this case, minor surgery (laparoscopy) is performed,where a tiny "grasper" and scissors are inserted into the fallopian tubes, and the damage is cut away.

PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome)This condition is very hard to treat. Different women respond to different treatments. While some regain some fertility, others will not. Of the treatments for PCOS, according to Vanderbilt Medical Center (http://www.mc.vanderbilt.edu/peds/pidl/adolesc/polcysov.htm), ovulation suppression medications such as birth control pills are the safest measure in controlling it. Ovulation suppression drugs such as Lupron and Danazol are sometimes given. Also, the drug Clomid can be given in combination with hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin). These help to bring on ovulation in order for pregnancy to occur.

Sperm Unable To Penetrate The EggIn the case of bad egg quality, a procedure called Micromanipulation is performed. The eggs are harvested from the woman and a sperm is "injected" into the egg. The procedure is then carried out via in vitro fertilization.

LUFS (Luteinized Unruptured Follicle Syndrome)The fertility drug Clomid is given to help bring on ovulation. Clomid is given in small doses at first, and then the amount is raised, if necessary.

Male

Damaged Sperm DuctsMinor surgery can be performed to remove the blockage and/or repair the scarring.

Hormonal DeficienciesThis is difficult to treat, and the chances of restoring fertility are marginal. According to Toni Weschler, in her book Taking Charge of Your Fertility, a man with hormone deficiencies can be treated with GnRH analogs or gonadotropins.

Sperm AntibodiesSteroids can be prescribed to suppress the immune system. Additionally, adrenal hormones sometimes can restore fertility. If these don't work, a procedure called sperm washing is attempted. This requires fertilization through and IUI (intrauterine insemination). If the IUI fails then IVF or GIFT is attempted.

VaricocelesMinor surgery can restore fertility 80% of the time, in the case of varicoceles according to Toni Weschler, author of Taking Charge of Your Fertility.

InfectionsSometimes male infertility is caused by infections, which are treated with antibiotics.